TEAMS
Benoît Brunet-Poirier
PILOT
-
Canada
-
38
-
Construction
-
Gatineau (Canada)
-
1 X-Pyr
-
GIn Puma 2 S
-
BOGDANFLY Zeppelin X M
-
GRIVEL Duetto
Joey Villeneuve
ASSISTANT
-
Canada
-
Rossland (Canada)
Team details
Browse other teams
What do you like about the X-Pyr that keeps you coming back for more?
The incredible adventure I get to share with fantastic people.
How is the X-Pyr different from other H&F competitions you have taken part in?
Going from one coast to the next, while flying through beautiful mountains is an incomparable objective. Knowing you are close to the finish line when you start to smell the sea air is a wonderful feeling!
How was your race in your previous edition(s)?
Perfect! Of course there is always room for improvement from a results standpoint, but finishing with no injuries is more than I can ask for!!
What was the best thing that happened to you in your last X-Pyr?
Managing to lunch on the second last day, after an extremely long walk, thinking I wouldn’t fly that day. Finally finding a launch below the meteo wind and just as I was about to go 2 French hikers came out of nowhere to help hold my wing up on this very short launch. I even managed to climb a few thermals on this flight, ensuring I would cross the finish line the next day. It was magical!!!
What was the worst thing that happened to you in your last X-Pyr?
Avoiding cloud flying at all cost and leaving a thermal early, preventing me from clearing a col which then took me on a very large and scary detour north.
What did you learn during the previous edition(s)?
You are nothing without your team behind you, I want us all to enjoy the experience!
If you could have input into the route, what would you suggest to the organisation?
Stay in Spain as much as possible. The French Pyrenees are pretty but not as pretty and so unpredictable for weather.
What changes have you made to your equipment for this edition?
Nothing- All my gear worked well last time.
Apart from flying far and walking little, what will your strategy be during the race?
Staying positive, even in the face of adversity. Having faith in my abilities and in the conditions and always being prepared to fly far, even if it seems unlikely.
What three pieces of advice would you give to Rookies in the race?
Take your time, enjoy it to the fullest: a week is a short time, make the decisions for yourself not for others.
What about your training? How many hours do you fly a year?
I aim for 300h of airtime per year and ideally around 10h of training per week, with volume ramping up as the race approaches.
How do you know your supporter? And have you worked as athlete/supporter before?
Joey supported me in 2024 and we met in late 2023. We have been close ever since talking very regularly. We also run tours together in Colombia.
Anything else you like to comment?
